Protect Your Baby From Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

You will no doubt have heard sad stories of babiesfrom babies since it can create more risks for
dying in their sleep. Can you imagine this horriblesuffocation.
situation ever happening with your own child? ParentsTip #2: Make sure the room has cool temperatures
from all walks of life fear the occurrence of suddenbefore you put your baby to sleep.
infant death syndrome (SIDS) with their babies. In orderA lot of parents would want to keep their babies
to protect their babies from dying in their sleep, parentswarm. Instinctively, parents would want to bundle up
would of course want to do everything within theirtheir babies before sleep. It is recommended to keep
power and first-time parents in particular should learnthe room by which the baby will sleep between 60
some simple techniques that can reduce the risk ofand 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Too much heat or
SIDS occurring.overheating could impose greater risk factors for
According to statistics, 1 out of every 1000 babies arebabies to suffer SIDS.
affected with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. SIDS isTip#3: Smoking is not recommended for parents
also considered to be a leading cause of death inespecially when their babies are around.
babies ages 1 month to one year old. It is thereforeNever smoke when you have your baby around.
very important that parents take necessarySecond hand smoking is not good for babies. SIDS is
precautions on how to prevent SIDS.sometimes more likely to occur in babies whose
Here are some steps to help parents:parents are smokers. For pregnant mothers, they
Tip #1: Before you put your baby to sleep, ensure thatshould avoid smoking because it can increase the risks
you position your baby to lie on his or her back.of their babies to experience SIDS. And let us not
Back sleeping should be encouraged in order to ensureforget, that stopping smoking is great for your own
the safety of your baby during sleep. Avoid placinghealth too!
your baby on his belly or his side. Though theseTip#4: Parents should seek consultation for their well
position can seem to appear more comfortable -babies.
stomach sleeping and a side lying position during sleepAnother effective way of protecting babies from SIDS
can increase the risks of SIDS because there isis a visit to his or her pediatrician for well baby
greater chances of re-breathing the air they havecheckups. Regular visits to the doctor during the first
exhaled in these positions which can make it difficult toweeks and months of life are beneficial to ensure that
get ample amounts of oxygen. Babies sleeping on theirthe baby is healthy. Any concerns regarding the baby
back are in the safest position to avoid Sudden Infantcan be consulted with the pediatrician to help keep the
Death Syndrome. Keep pillows and blankets awaybaby safe.